I heard an executive say something very profound this offseason about building a dominant football team: "You can win with a mediocre offense and a great defense, but won't have much success with it in the reverse order."

Here's a look at the Dolphins' defensive depth chart heading into training camp. It'll be interesting to see if the Trifecta has added the right pieces that will allow this unit to tighten up.

What the Dolphins really need is for it's young, but somewhat experienced ends – Langford and Merling – to take the next step in their development. Neither applied much pass rushing pressure last season, and this year they won't have Vonnie Holliday around to hold their hands. Last year the Dolphins kept six defensive ends on the 53-man roster, and it's likely they'll keep that same number in 2009. McDaniel, who was acquired in a trade with Jacksonville for a seventh-round pick, will start out his Dolphins tenure as a run-stuffing end. If that fails he'll likely be moved inside. Dotson got rave reviews from his teammates last year because of his pass rushing skills, but has done little on the field when it counts. He's got plenty to prove before he locks up a roster spot.

NT – Jason Ferguson, Paul Soliai, Joe Cohen, Louis Ellis (R)

The Dolphins have no long term answer at this position, and that could become a problem if Ferguson, who is 34, can't play a full 16-game season. A 3-4 defense isn't effective without a nose tackle serving as it's pillar. Soliai made a couple of eye-opening plays last season, but the former fourth-round pick also received two head-scratching suspensions, and is hovering around 340 pounds. This is a poop or get off the pot season for him. Cohen and Ellis will likely be competing for a practice squad spot unless they show promise during training camp.

SLB – Matt Roth, Charlie Anderson, Tearrius George, Orion Martin (R)

WLB – Joey Porter, Cameron Wake (R), Erik Walden, Quentin Moses

At times last season Porter was the only defender in the front seven putting pressure on quarterbacks. In fact, the Pro Bowlers sack total matched what every other defensive end and linebacker contributed last season. Roth had his moments, but was typically used on the first two downs as an edge-setter. Wake was imported from the CFL to see if he'll continue to serve as a sack specialist. But it'll likely take him a season or two to learn how the 3-4 scheme works. However, is experiences as a linebacker at Penn State should help. Wake will likely push Anderson for the pass rushing specialist role, but don't count Walden or George out just yet. Pittsburgh's James Harrison came out of nowhere to become a force once he finally learned the intricacies of the 3-4 scheme. It's possible the same thing can happen for any of these young hybrid linebackers. Possible, but probably not likely. But if this group of college defensive end converts collectively contributes 15 sacks to assist Porter the defense will improve.

ILB – Channing Crowder, Reggie Torbor

ILB – Akin Ayodele, William Kershaw, J.D. Folsom (R)

The Dolphins have three decent inside linebackers in Crowder, Ayodele, and Torbor. But none have shown they are difference makers. Crowder will likely continue to serve as the team's every down linebacker, and it'll be interesting to see if his play improves in his second season in that role. It's unlikely Torbor has what it takes to push Ayodele for his starting spot. Folson will likely compete with Kershaw for a spot on the practice squad.

Adding two of the draft's top cornerbacks injected a lot of size and strength into this unit.Smith, who is a legit 6-foot-3, immediately becomes this unit's biggest cornerback, and Davis (a weight room warrior) is the strongest. Each of these rookies should push for immediate playing time, if not a starting spot. But that will likely depend on how quickly they each learn the scheme, and master the proper technique. Investing in their development is critical considering Will Allen, Thomas and Jones are all impending free agents. It's likely the Dolphins will keep six cornerbacks on the 53-man roster, and carry one (if not two) on the practice squad.

FS – Gibril Wilson, Chris Clemons (R), Ethan Kilmer

SS – Yeremiah Bell, Tyrone Culver, Courtney Bryan

The Dolphins supposedly upgraded at safety by signing Wilson, a free agent, to replace Renaldo Hill at free safety. Wilson's a lot more athletic than Hill, but it was Hill's leadership and communication skills that allowed the secondary to drastically improve last season. Will Wilson, who has played both strong and free safety in his NFL career, bring that same leadership? Only time, and the unit's play will tell. Bell's durability issues could mean the backups might see significant playing time. Remember, in 2007 the Dolphins went through six safeties. Clemons, a physical hitter with ball skills, impressed the coaching staff during last weekend's rookie mini camp. Culver showed some promise in spurts last season, contributing 35 tackles and one interception. Bryan is a spunky fighter with limited upside. Kilmer is an unknown, but has a reputation as a special teams stud. Last year the Dolphins kept five safeties on the 53-man roster, but the logjam at cornerback might mean there's only room for four this season.

So, what, or who is missing? Where was the most improvement made? And what else is needed to make this defense a top 10 unit?

Comments (263 Comments)

Ok, first off, how is anyone a pansy for having a hangover? I haven’t gone to bed yet… and I’m still at work.
Further, Herd, I am not Patrick…
Lastly, the word “whippets” is giving me flashbacks of college…

Jason Allen has to be considered the starter until someone beats him out. Can’t anoint a rookie until he proves it with pads on.
Vontae Davis has some technique to improve upon as well as consistency needed to match up against NFL receivers.
Sean Smith is still raw and needs to put more muscle on his frame.
I still believe Vontae will end up being starter for Dolphins, but might not be by game 1.
And Jason is better than everyone has gotten on him. If he improves a little could be a reasonable starter and definitely a nickel guy (though probably would still use his size on edge with either Will Allen or Vontae Davis taking the slot).

What we dont have is a legit starting LB unit for the next 4 or 5 years. Our young DEs Langford and Merling, CBs Smith and Davis, and Safties Bell and Wilson round out the other positions well we hope. And Solia has a chance to handle the NT spot… but at ILB and OLB we know what we have and its not much. We dont have a legit starting ILB in Ayodele. He is probably no more than a good back-up, and Crowder is just a stop-gag at best. Obviously Porter was our 1 blessing in that unit last season, but that was a surprise and his age makes it difficult to count on him every year. He was our only playmaker in the entire Linebacking unit. Inside and Outside. Both units need work.

I agree with your assertion that DE and CB are now well stocked.
S might be as well if Clemons works out (and maybe even Culver). Don’t forget though the YB is 30yo.
But LB might not be as bad as you suggest. Yes Ayodele is at best a stopgap. Definte target for upgrade next year. But Crowder is more than just a stopgap. Not a game-changer but good solid starter who anchors against run. Also reasonable in coverage. Worthwhile starter for next few years, especially if can improve other ILB spot.
At OLB, we really do not know what we have. Porter is getting up in age, but after him plenty of youth in Wake, Roth, Anderson, Walden, and George. Lets see if any of them show potential to step up.
And while Solai has potential to step up at NT, that is far from given. Even if he does, this may be Ferguson’s last season. One more at most. More depth at NT will still be needed. I say this is biggest priority for upgrade next year (Vince Wilfork?). Can put in some stopgaps at other positions, but without NT the 3-4 defense falls apart.

I still think you are right and another OLB pass-rusher will be a priority next year, but there is some hope with some of the players already on roster.
On offense biggest priority will probably be OL depth. Possibly RB if Ronnie leaves in free agency. TE is also position to watch with Fasano and Martin also free agents at end of year.

560 (WQAM) is the best station. They do good sports talk all day, but I love Jorge Sedano’s show on 790 AM during the work day. LeBatard’s show doesn’t really talk sports, but it makes me laugh all the time.

We Have Playmakers
I list Jason Allen as the first cornerback in line to start because he’s going to be given every opportunity to earn the spot.
He knows the defense the best. Has the athletic talent, and the size needed. Now does he know technique.

O,
How do Allen and Smith compare in size when you see them in person? And, which do you think is the better athlete.
I was much more impressed listening to Smith answer your questions than I ever was of Allen, But, you never know about that stuff b/c some guys can be smart and just not good at interviews or answering questions.

Yeah a little surprised to but i think they did draft a tackle if I recall. It’s unusual to see a tackle right or left get sent walking I mean this guy isn’t John Beck he plays.Joey will be motived if ends up playing us this year.

son,
yeah, i’m surprised they couldn’t get some sort of deal done for a guy like that. I don’t know if he’s been playing all that well, but you just don’t see 6 year OT vets who were drafted in the top 10 just thrown to the street.

O,I agree on 560(LUVITT)!!
I can’t believe LebaTARD is allowed to takeup 4hrs of whats supposed to be sports talk w/his nonsense!! He’s truely a DISABLED Florida sports analyists/radio host,(he hasn’t even a clue to the FINS roster),he’s alway’s asking callers to let him know if so and so is still on the team!! (I think he’d be hilarious to a fan of one of our Noreastern foes),I only listen during the commercials of SPORTS radio,(he’s an idiot,IMO),as is his wishywashey sidekick(who happens to be a fan of the yewnork teams),jackazzzezz!
And I’m boycoting ESPN until frickin favre is three yrs in the grave..
F inggg REDICULOUS,I was surfing TV sports today,and the same F ing story was on 5 different channels..
ESPN’s trying to change the American numbering system,one,two,three,FAVRE,five,six,seven,and so on,FAVREteen,twentyFAVRE,thirtyFAVRE,FAVREtyFAVRE,fiftyFAVRE,mannnn it’s soooo annoying.. JUST GO AWAY,or DIE already PLEASE,(and I thought he was a legend),b/4 he attempted to,and still is trying to screwover the PACK,b/c they hurt his feelings,by moving on!! POOR little egotistial BITCHHHH!!!
Besides the obvious,MY favorites are Eric(The DECAPITATOR)Walden,and same as last year Tyrone(The CREAMATOR)Culver..
“”"So, what, or who is missing? Where was the most improvement made? And what else is needed to make this defense a top 10 unit?”"”
A JT type opposite JP!!
Obviously DB!!
STUD or TWO ILB’s!!

son,
in case kv isn’t around; Minnesota is trying to sign Favre. Childress is in Louisiana right now talking with him. favre has never made it a secret that he wanted to play in minnesota…mostly to get back at GB, but he says it’s not about that anymore. He’s lying.*L*
he’s just an attention whore. it still makes me sick to think he overtook Marino’s records. he doesn’t deserve them. At least he’s also the leader in INTs, so I feel a little bit better.

I hearya Randy!!
As much as you all know I LOVE”OUR”FINS!! I’d have to let that love go(momentarily),IF he had become a FIN..OMG,I hope he finalizes his retirement NOWWW,I can’t deal w’another couple mnths,let alone another yr of his crapp,I’ll miss ESPN!!(He’ll be hated by all b/4 all is said and done),while he could have STAYED retired as a legend,w’the keys to all GB!!(THAT’s IT,I’m DONE w’him)!!! ONLY JT going to NE will annoy me more!!
GOOAAAHH D O L P H I N S !!

The best thing that could happen to Favre for his own sake would be to (i’m naucious) come back (no malice intent intended here) and get hurt and hurt enough so he’d miss a start and I think then he could walk away. Walking away with the consecutive game streak in tact must eat him up. We need someone in the Nfl to put him out of his/our misery.

Why doesn’t every player simply retire until they land where they want to??
Then the NFL can narrow down to 10 teams or so(jk).
I think we’ll finally have something to agree about w’that team that has a rubberband propelled airplane on their helmet..GOTTA be some sort of tampering,or prearranged agenda,I’d be screaming for an investigation/compensation,IF(i’m naucious too)I were a fan of”OUR”most hated rivals!!

13kv,
I heard Chris Carter talking on the local sports radio show today, and he actually made a good point. He said there’s nothing a player can replace playing the game with once they retire and walk away for good. It’s gotta be tough to leave the game knowing you’ll NEVER be able to do it again.
As much as I wish favre would just go away, I gotta say I never question a guy’s desire to play the game for absolutely as long as possible b/c once you walk away…you’ll never have that sort of excitement/competition in your life again.

Randy,(IF it were me),they’d have to drag me off the field,they’d of NEVER heard the R word out of my mouth,so I can understand that reasoning..But,IF I did R,I’d never go out of my way to to F the team/fans that treated me like a king for 17 yrs,a team that had evolved 6mnths into the future b/c of my own decision..
It’s like you said,he’s just a whore,(no dissrespect intended to the actual whores out there)!!

Thanks for the insight Matt, I guess I’ll wait until next year to watch a Dolphins game. I suppose you wanted a response when you posted as jet fan and nobody bothered. And yes, let’s rebuild from an 11-5 season

OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
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IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More